2022-07-12 Tue

The Nolamba were the minor Southern Indian Dynasty, they emerged and flourished to the Rashtrakutas in the 9th and 10 Centuries CE. They ruled the areas of Hemavati, (Today’s Andhra Pradesh) for 350 years. The rulers of the Nolamba dynasty are known as ‘Nolambavadi’.

The Nolamba coins are among the most beautiful coins in India! One thing that can be noted is that they issued gold coins in a majority and very few of silver and lead. All the coins bear a humped bull on the obverse as they were the followers of Lord Shiva. Elephant, lion, and boar are also seen on a few of the coins of Nolamba. Their coins are highly artistic!

This Punch Marked gold Gadyana coin is attributed to Polalachola II Nanni Nolamba. Manufactured with the Repousse technique, this coin depicts a die struck highly ornate Nandi seated in the centre facing left, with sun and moon above the bull's back, surrounded by 12 punches of Kannada letter. A further eight punches were applied along the margin with 4 seated Nandi punches alternating after 2 Kannada letter Shri punches, 1 Spear punch and 1 Kannada legend Nolamba punch.

Image Courtesy: todywallaauctions.com